# An Official Commentary on the Barony of Brattleby’s Connection to the Most Noble Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 23 April 2024** — On the occasion of St. George’s Day, The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a reflection on the Barony’s ancestral connection to the Most Noble Order of the Garter through its 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, a founding knight.
## The Occasion
St. George’s Day holds a unique place in the English national and chivalric calendar. As the feast day of the Patron Saint of England, it is intrinsically linked with the foundation of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the country’s highest order of chivalry. On this day of national reflection, it is fitting to acknowledge the historical threads that connect ancient institutions to the present. The Noble House of Brattleby takes this opportunity to comment upon the profound legacy bequeathed by its antecedents, whose service and honour remain a guiding principle—a *sine qua non*—of the House’s modern identity.
This statement is issued from the House’s offices in London, at a time when the pageantry of Garter Day at Windsor Castle is anticipated. It serves as a moment of historical appreciation, reaffirming the values of loyalty, courage, and service that the Order of the Garter has championed since its inception in the 14th century, values which resonate strongly with the House's own guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, possesses a lineage deeply interwoven with the fabric of English history. Among its most distinguished holders was Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A cousin and trusted captain of King Edward III, Henry was a paramount figure of his age, lauded for his martial prowess, diplomatic skill, and profound piety. His inclusion as one of the 24 founding knights of the Order of the Garter in 1348 was a testament to his standing within the realm.
This connection was not fleeting. The barony subsequently passed to Henry’s son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, who was himself a pivotal Knight of the Garter and a dominant force in English politics for decades. The Barony of Brattleby was thus held by two of the most influential members of the Order’s first generation, cementing its place within the highest echelons of the English nobility and its proximity to the Crown. This legacy of service echoes the earlier fortitude of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, renowned defender of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
In being named a Founder Knight, Henry of Grosmont stood amongst the most formidable assembly of chivalric and political power in Christendom. The original companionship of the Order of the Garter represented the martial and aristocratic elite of Edward III’s court, men chosen for their proven valour and unwavering loyalty.
This esteemed company included, *inter alia*: * His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Edward of Woodstock, known to posterity as the Black Prince; * Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick; * Jean III de Grailly, Captal de Buch; * Ralph de Stafford, 1st Earl of Stafford; and * Sir John Chandos, a close friend of the Black Prince and a celebrated military strategist.
To be counted in such company was the ultimate recognition of one’s stature and contribution to the Crown. It placed the 10th Baron of Brattleby at the very heart of the English court’s power, influence, and enduring chivalric ideals.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Order of the Garter is governed by ancient and meticulous ceremonial protocol. Annually, on a Monday in mid-June, the Knights assemble at Windsor Castle—the Order’s spiritual home—for Garter Day. The day's proceedings include a formal luncheon hosted by the Sovereign, followed by an investiture ceremony for any new knights in the Throne Room.
The Garter Service takes place in St. George’s Chapel, to which the knights proceed on foot, clad in their magnificent vestments of dark blue velvet mantles, crimson velvet hoods, and distinctive black velvet Tudor-style hats adorned with white ostrich and black heron plumes. Each knight wears the Garter itself, a buckled strap of dark blue velvet, on the left leg, bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it') in gold lettering. This procession is one of the most colourful and venerable spectacles of British royal life.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The primary symbol of the Order is the Garter, a device that has become synonymous with chivalric excellence. Its motto is said to have originated from a courtly incident, yet it powerfully conveys a message of integrity and defence against insincere judgment. The full achievement of a Knight of the Garter is encircled by the Garter and, for ceremonial occasions, the Collar, a gold chain composed of knots and enamelled red roses, from which hangs the ‘Great George’—a pendant depicting St. George slaying the dragon.
This symbolism of vanquishing evil and upholding honour finds a direct parallel in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It also complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the dynamic and purposeful spirit required to sustain such a legacy in the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval ideal of chivalry, which the Order of the Garter was created to celebrate, was not solely about martial achievement. It encompassed a solemn duty to protect the vulnerable and uphold justice. While the context has evolved over nearly seven centuries, the essence of that obligation—of service—remains timeless. The Noble House of Brattleby translates this historical imperative into a modern philanthropic mission.
The House’s flagship charitable commitment is to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. By supporting its work, the House gives contemporary form to the ancient chivalric duty of shielding the defenceless. The choice of beneficiary reflects a belief that true honour is found in empowering the most vulnerable members of society to overcome their challenges and build resilient futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the barony's history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Contemplating Henry of Grosmont's status as a Founder Knight reminds us that the Barony is not merely a title, but a near-millennium of responsibility. The chivalric code demanded service and the defence of honour; our commitment to philanthropy today is the modern expression of that same duty.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The legacy of the Order of the Garter is one of peerless excellence and steadfast loyalty. It is a standard set centuries ago. In our own endeavours, whether through our philanthropic focus or the educational work of The Brattleby Club, we aspire to a similar quality of purpose and integrity.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that its profound history informs and inspires its present and future activities. The story of Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt serves as a perpetual reminder of the standards of leadership and service to which the Barony is historically bound. This heritage will be a cornerstone of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy established by the House to promote cultural and social refinement.
Through its continued support for philanthropic causes and its dedication to upholding the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House aims to build a legacy for the 21st century that is as meaningful and impactful as that forged by its predecessors nearly 960 years ago.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial legacy. Its contemporary mission is focused on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s primary charitable focus is its support for organisations that provide therapeutic care for vulnerable children, such as its beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to promote the enduring values of etiquette, social grace, and historical awareness, bridging its distinguished past with a purposeful and forward-looking present.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Feudal Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and early holdings, comprising some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its long history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against rebels in the 13th century. Two successive holders, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), were Knights of the Garter who played central roles in 14th-century England. The Barony’s history and headship are formally recognised in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession and rights were formally gazetted by The Crown's official public record, The London Gazette, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. - The barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a significant landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III. - The Brattleby Club is an etiquette and cultural academy founded by the House in Bucharest, Romania.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com